Jared Sullinger done for the night with back spasms

Posted By
Mike Petraglia
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January 30, 2013 @ 8:32 pm
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General |
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On the night he was snubbed by the NBA for a spot on the “Rising Stars” Challenge, Jared Sullinger suffered a more painful blow during the game with the Kings as he was sidelined with back spasms.

Sullinger started and played just four minutes before being subbed out as his back tightened up on him. The Celtics[1] initially reported that the big man went to the locker room and received ice treatment and was “likely” to return.

But midway through the second quarter, Sullinger was ruled out for the rest of the game. The injury immediately set off alarms as it was a bad back at Ohio State that allowed Sullinger to drop to 21st in the NBA draft last June, a fact not lost on head coach Doc Rivers[2] after the game.

“I think it was bothering him in the draft,” Rivers said, referring to the issues he had at Ohio State that caused him to miss significant time in his senior season. “So, I just think, honestly, I know (trainer) Eddie (Ed Lacerte) said something a week or two ago that it’s been bothering him, and I think this will be what will happen. He’ll have these episodes and we’ve got to get him through it. Hopefully, he doesn’t miss games with them, but if he does, he does. And then get it right and come back. But I’m not sure if it was before the game or not.”

Asked before the game where he thinks Sullinger would be drafted right now, knowing what he’s accomplished in the NBA, Rivers didn’t hesitate, “top five.”

Sullinger made his second straight start since being promoted from the bench. He grabbed just one rebound before being sidelined. Brandon Bass[3] took his place.